All about Torrevieja (Costa Blanca, Spain)

Torrevieja (in both Spanish and Valencian) is originally a fishing village and is located in the southernmost part of the Costa Blanca in Spain.

The city is surrounded by two large and beautiful natural salt lakes, which form the Salinas de Torrevieja. The large salt lake is also called Lago Rosa (the pink lake). Salt production with these lakes is one of the most important in Europe and creates a unique microclimate.

1. Discover, get to know Torrevieja

Did you know that…

• the Sierra de Orihuela in Torrevieja is the highest point on the Costa Blanca; dhe top of the mountain is 638 meters high;

• the population consists of more than 120 different nationalities;

• 52% of the municipality consists of natural parks, including two large salt lakes.

The center in Torrevieja

The center of Torrevieja is centered around the Plaza de la Constitución. Around this square are important buildings such as the town hall and the Catholic church Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

From there you will find the main shopping street, Calle Ramón Gallud, and you are close to the port and the Paseo Vistalegre, Torrevieja’s boulevard.

The boulevard of Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s promenade is the lively, beating heart of the city, seamlessly connecting the coastline, the port and the center.

During the day, the promenade is perfect for a stroll along the terraces and the city beach Playa del Cura. For a nice view and a quiet walk, walk up the long pier (Dique de Levante), which extends far into the sea.

The port of Torrevieja

The port of Torrevieja is almost as big as the port of Alicante. This ultra-modern marina called Marinas Salinas offers berths for various boat types, from small to mega-yachts, with flexible rental periods.

In addition to a secure dock, the marina has a technical room for boat maintenance and an exclusive maritime service.

Below is an overview of the neighborhoods in Torrevieja:

• La Mata: a picturesque area north of Torrevieja, known for its beautiful beaches and natural surroundings, popular with tourists and locals alike;

• Aguas Nuevas: a residential area with mostly modern apartments and villas, located near amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants and schools;

• Los Altos: a quiet residential area on a hill with stunning sea views, close to golf courses, shopping centers and the beaches of Orihuela Costa;

• Playa Flamenca: a lively coastal neighborhood with a mix of nationalities, known for its commercial center La Zenia Boulevard, beaches, and vibrant nightlife;

• Punta Prima: a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, a long promenade, and a diverse range of restaurants, bars and stores;

• La Siesta: a quiet and residential neighborhood, ideal for families, with green areas, parks and local amenities;

• El Chaparral: an established residential neighborhood with a mix of Spanish and international residents, surrounded by natural beauty and close to Torrevieja’s salt lakes;

• La Zenia: a popular coastal town with beautiful beaches, a lively promenade and a variety of restaurants, bars and stores, ideal for both vacationers and permanent residents.

The history in brief

The city of Torrevieja was officially founded in 1803 by Charles IV of Spain, who considered the location strategically important due to its proximity to salt lakes. These salt lakes were of great economic importance to the region because of the extraction of salt, a valuable commodity at the time.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Torrevieja grew into a thriving salt and fishing community, with a vibrant port that became an important center for salt and fish exports.

Later in the 20th century, Torrevieja transformed itself into a popular tourist destination, with a growing expat community and a thriving industry focused on tourism and real estate development.

Nature around Torrevieja

Torrevieja comprises as much as 52% of the municipality as protected natural areas. Below are two of the most important natural areas:

1. The salt lakes:

The Natural Park of la Mata and Torrevieja consists of two large, contrasting salt lakes:

• Laguna de Torrevieja: famous for its striking pink color, caused by algae and bacteria in the salty water;

• Laguna de la Mata: teal in color and an important habitat for waterfowl, including flamingos that like to perch here.

The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with several species breeding or wintering here. You can hike, bike and admire nature from the vantage points.

2. Green zones in the city:

Torrevieja also has several parks in the city itself that provide cooling and relaxation:

• Parque del Molino del Agua: a park with a historic water mill, ideal for a quiet walk;

• Parque de las Naciones: a large park with internationally themed gardens, ponds and playgrounds for children.

A Mediterranean climate

Torrevieja has a wonderful Mediterranean climate with more than 300 sunny days a year. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. This makes Torrevieja an ideal destination for sunbathers and beach lovers. Winters are mild with average temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even during the winter months.

The sea breeze provides a pleasant coolness in summer and the nearby salt lakes(Las Salinas de Torrevieja) have a positive influence on humidity, making the climate extra pleasant.

Weather, average temperatures

Below is a table of average temperatures in Torrevieja by month:

2. Experiencing Torrevieja, what to see & do

To the beach in Torrevieja

Below is an overview of Torrevieja’s beaches. The beaches are named in order from north to south. Blue flag beaches are designated with a blue 🔷 sign:

• Playa Torrelamata / Playa de la Mata;🔷;
• Playa Cabo Cervera🔷;
• Playa de los Locos🔷;
• Playa del Cura🔷;
• Playa del Acequión;
• Playa de Los Naufragos🔷;
• Playa Torrevieja;
• Cala de Mojón;
• Cala de la Higuera;
• Cala Redonda;
• Cala del Gambote;
• Cala Tía Roqueta;
• Cala de los Trabajos;
• Cala Cornuda;
• Cala del Palangre;
• Cala Ferris;
• Cala Piteras.

Things to do & to see

What to do in Torrevieja? Torrevieja offers a mix of activities including nature, cultural attractions and water fun for the whole family. Relax at Parque de las Naciones, admire the architecture of Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción, learn about local history at Museo del Mar y de la Sal.

Admire the unique pink lakes of Las Salinas de Torrevieja, enjoy a stroll along the port promenade or take in the panoramic views from Torre del Moro. For water fun with the whole family is Aquopolis Torrevieja the perfect destination.

Tip: view a list of activities in Torrevieja

Sports opportunities

Although Torrevieja has many sports facilities scattered throughout the city, there is one place where you will find a large concentration of sports fields: the Ciudad Deportiva Torrevieja. You’ll find here:

• Soccer fields: several soccer fields with artificial and natural grass, including the Estadio Vicente García;
• Athletic track: a modern athletic track for running and other athletic events;
• Pools: an Olympic-size pool and an instructional pool;
• Tennis courts and padel courts: multiple courts for tennis and padel;
• Field field hockey field: an artificial turf field for field hockey;
• Rugby field: a rugby field with natural grass;
• Sports halls: indoor halls for basketball, volleyball, handball and other indoor sports.

In addition to these facilities, you will also find locker rooms, showers, a gym and a cafeteria in the Ciudad Deportiva.

Restaurants & bars in Torrevieja

A number of restaurants can be found north of Torrevieja. Most of the restaurants are mainly located around the port. One of those restaurants are recommended by Michelin Guide: La Paleta de Sabores.

To the market on Friday

Every Friday you can go to one of the biggest markets in Spain(Mercadillo de Torrevieja). This market consists of more than 1,000 stalls and is held in a large area near all the sports fields in Torrevieja. You can go there for all kinds of things, think clothes, souvenirs, but also fresh vegetables and fruits.

• Frequency: weekly on Fridays;
• Time of day: from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shops & supermarkets

Shopping centers:

• Habaneras Centro Comercial: This shopping center has a good mix of stores, including fashion, electronics, household goods and a Carrefour hypermarket. It also has a food court and a movie theater;

• Zenia Boulevard: This is one of the largest shopping centers on the Costa Blanca, with more than 150 stores, restaurants and entertainment. You will find well-known brands such as Zara, Primark and H&M, as well as a cinema and a bowling alley.

Supermarkets:

• Carrefour: the Carrefour in Habaneras is a hypermarket with a huge range of products, from food to electronics;

• Mercadona: Mercadona is a popular Spanish supermarket chain with a focus on fresh produce and own-brand products. There are several Mercadona’s in Torrevieja;

• Consum: Consum is another large Spanish supermarket chain with a wide range of products and competitive prices;

• Lidl and Aldi: These German discount supermarkets can also be found in Torrevieja and offer good value for money.

Specialty stores:

• Mercado Central: Torrevieja’s central market is a great place to buy fresh produce such as fish, meat, vegetables and fruits;

• Stores in Calle Ramón Gallud: In the main shopping street you will find various specialty stores, such as clothing boutiques, shoe stores, jewelers and souvenir stores.

Parking

Parking in Torrevieja can be a challenge, especially during the summer months and on weekends. But don’t worry, there are several options, both paid and free:

Paid Parking:

• Parking garages: In the center and around popular spots such as the harbor and the beach, you will find several parking garages. These offer safe and covered parking, but are often a bit more expensive.
  • Parking Centro el Arco: A downtown parking garage on Calle Ramón Gallud;
  • Parking La Plasa: A public parking garage at Plaza Isabel II;
  • APK2 Vistalegre – Puerto: A covered public parking garage near the port.
• Blue zones: in parts of the center and around the beach you will find blue zones. Here you can pay to park for a limited time. Pay close attention to the signs for rates and maximum parking duration;
• Parking lots: there are also several public parking lots, both downtown and on the outskirts of the city. These are often somewhat cheaper than parking garages.

Free parking:

• Street parking: outside the center and blue zones, there is often free street parking. It may take some time to find a spot, especially near the beach and in high season;
• Large parking lots: on the outskirts of the city there are a few large parking lots where you can park for free. From there you can walk, bike or take public transportation to the center;
• At malls: some malls, such as Habaneras, offer free parking for their customers.

Art & culture

Below are some noteworthy sights:

• Museum of the Sea and Salt: learn about Torrevieja’s history as a fishing village and salt producer. See ship models, fishing tools and learn about salt extraction in the Salinas;

• Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja: this historic casino is a cultural center with a theater, library and exhibition hall;

• Church of the Immaculate Conception: this church in Plaza de la Constitución is a fine example of religious architecture;

• Monuments: Torrevieja has several monuments, such as the monument to the “Belle Époque” and the monument to music;

• Street art: discover colorful murals and sculptures while strolling through the city;

• Auditorium Internacional: this modern auditorium hosts concerts, theater performances and other events.

Special holidays

• International habaneras festival: this is the cultural highlight of the city. A prestigious, international choral competition (in July) that celebrates the “Habanera”: the melancholic style of music that sailors brought back to Cuba from their salt voyages;

• Carnival: one of the Costa Blanca’s most spectacular carnivals, lasting for weeks. It is known for its extravagant parades with impressive costumes full of glitter and feathers, and a famous Drag Queen pageant;

• Feria de mayo: Torrevieja is transformed (in May) into a mini Andalusia. The port area fills with “casetas” (marquees) where there is plenty of “Sevillanas” dancing, complete with flamenco dresses, horse shows and Spanish music;

• Semana santa (Easter week): an intense and solemn celebration, famous for its impressive daily processions. Large, decorated statues of saints (“tronos”) are carried through the city accompanied by drums and penitents in traditional robes;

• Fiestas de la virgen del carmen: as a true fishing town, Torrevieja honors its patron saint of the sea. The highlight (in July) is the maritime procession, in which the image of the Virgin is sailed out to sea on a decorated boat, followed by a fleet of ships.

Events

You have two very different but very fun events in Torrevieja:

1. International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition:

This competition is truly a household name in Torrevieja. It is one of the most important events for habanera music in the world.

• What is habanera? A style of music with Cuban roots, often melancholic and romantic in nature. Imagine sailor songs, with a touch of nostalgia;
• The competition: choirs from all over the world, sometimes as many as 100 at a time, come to Torrevieja to sing their best habaneras and polyphonic pieces;
• Atmosphere: the competition takes place in the “Eras de la Sal,” an open-air theater by the sea, which provides a magical ambiance;
• When? Usually in July or August. The exact dates vary from year to year.

2. Feria de Mayo:

This is a very different kind of celebration, more lavish. It is based on the Feria de Abril in Seville.

• Andalusian atmosphere: flamenco music and dance take center stage, as do horses and traditional Andalusian costumes. Ladies in beautiful flamenco dresses, gentlemen on horseback … very atmospheric;
• “Casetas”: On the Feria grounds you will find “casetas,” tents where you can eat, drink and dance. Each caseta has its own atmosphere and music;
• Attractions: there is also a fairground section with rides for young and old;
• When? Usually in May, as the name suggests.

3. Torrevieja visit, flight & accommodation

By plane to torrevieja

Would you like to go on vacation to Torrevieja? Then the nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). From the airport, it is about 45 kilometers to Torrevieja, which amounts to a drive of about 40 to 45 minutes.

An excellent alternative is Murcia International Airport (RMU), which is about 60 kilometers (about 50 min drive) away. From the Netherlands and Belgium, companies such as Transavia, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly directly to both airports, making the destination easily accessible.

Vacations to torrevieja

Torrevieja is a lively and very popular destination best known for its salt lakes, vast beaches and bustling boulevards. It offers a mix for various types of vacations:

• Sun and beach vacations: with its many sandy beaches, such as the famous city beach Playa del Cura and the long Playa de La Mata, it is a classic sun destination. Its lively, mile-long boulevards are perfect for strolling;

• Family vacations: thanks to the many facilities, the large fairground at the port, the water park (Aquopolis) and the child-friendly beaches, it is a top destination for families with children;

• Active and nature vacations: the area, with the Natural Park of the salt lakes of La Mata and Torrevieja, offers unique hiking and cycling routes. Along the coast there are plenty of opportunities for water sports;

• Wintering: thanks to its mild microclimate (due in part to its salt lakes) and mostly flat terrain, Torrevieja is one of the Costa Blanca’s most popular and best-facilitated spots for wintering.

You can opt for a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.

Vacation accommodation in torrevieja

• Hotels: Torrevieja offers a wide range of hotels, from large tourist hotels with pools and all facilities to simpler, centrally located city hotels;

• Apartments: this is the most common type of accommodation. There is a huge selection, from apartments with sea views in the lively center to homes with a communal pool in the surrounding neighborhoods (urbanizations);

• Vacation homes and villas: for maximum space and privacy, there are thousands of vacation homes, semi-detached houses and detached villas for rent. These are often located in the quieter residential areas just outside the busy center, such as Los Balcones or La Siesta, and often have private or communal pools.

Many accommodations, especially in downtown and along the beaches, are within walking distance of boulevards, restaurants and the sea.

Everything at hand with the free Torrevieja app

Do you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything from your favorite place on the Costa Blanca? Then download the free app and turn your phone into the ultimate travel guide for the entire region:

• All ‘website’ content is available: all travel guides, blogs and other tips for restaurants, activities and sights, but also accommodations;

• Simple navigation: all available information is clearly presented (per location) and you can easily navigate back and forth;

• Interactive map: explore the Costa Blanca and easily plan your routes to the most beautiful places;

• Smart location recognition: when you approach a place on the Costa Blanca, you automatically receive a notification that allows you to directly open the travel guide for that place;

• Your favorites: you can save and easily find your favorite locations, such as restaurants.

The CostaBlanca.nl app is completely free to download and use. Start planning your perfect trip today!

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Torrevieja (Tourist information)
• Torrevieja Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Torrevieja (Tourist information)

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